Meet Aracely Salas | Chandler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aracely Salas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aracely, why did you pursue a creative career?
The pursuit in my creative career was sparked and continues to be fueled by my desire to feel fulfilled and purposeful. I feel the human nature in us has us constantly thinking what the purpose in our lives could be and sometimes, it’s as easy as referring back to the things we make time for or spend our down time doing. For me, it’s always been creating. This is when I feel my happiest, my fullest, and the most peace – I love waking up knowing I get to do what I love everyday!Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a lover of art, I find integrating it into my work whether it’s through packaging or a literal work of art made with wax, I am able to set myself apart. While candles have been around for ages, the approach and delivery will be different for each maker/brand. Also, I love that art is in the eye of the beholder and each CEL SAL consumer will take something different from one of my products and their intentional details. This spring 2021 makes 3 years since my introduction to candle making and it’s a blessing to look back at what once was meant for personal use turn into a full time “job” for me. Being a one-woman show and juggling a full time job while starting up a side gig has definitely had its bumps on the road but the support of friends and family makes it easier to overcome them. One of the biggest hiccups for me at the time was not being able to dedicate the time to see CEL SAL to its full potential. Coming home to less than 3 hours to work on my craft was extremely stressful, and as cliche as it sounds, the lesson here was more time, dedication, and consistency = more success. It took a pandemic and me getting a glimpse of WFH life to see that more time is all my ‘side gig’ really needed in order to thrive. And so I left my full-time job of 7+ years. In the grand scheme, there is nothing *too* out of the ordinary about my story. Girl leaves job to pursue craft. But if you take time to break that down, girl left job to pursue craft… how awesome is it that we all have the ability to do exactly what we love? Of course taking on an entrepreneurial lifestyle is not easy work, especially when you have to wear all the hats, but it is far rewarding in many ways. At the very least, I hope my brand and story can inspire those admiring to pursue their dreams and silence the pesky little voices in our heads.Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First things first, we’re hitting local eats and shops – top of my list is the beloved bishop arts district. This is the place to go for the most laid back, homey, neighborhood vibes. For breakfast/lunch, my top picks are latin coffeehouse Espumoso cafe (if you’re looking for something light – my recommendation: chicken and cheese empanadas!), and Oddfellows. Walk, talk, and shop at The Laughing Willow, Autumn Moon Creative, and can’t leave without chocolate from CocoAndre Chocolatier. Later, have Eno’s tasty thin crust pizza, do a little dance at Spinster records, and cross the street for ice cream at Azucar! The next few days we’ll spend sightseeing the famous Dallas skyline and some Dallas staples. Afternoon strolls to include the historic west end, dealey plaza with a photo op of the Sixth Floor Museum, lunch at Iron Cactus on Main Street overlooking the giant eyeball sculpture [photo op], golden hour at the geo-deck of the reunion tower with 360 views of the big city, and if that wasn’t enough, drive just a few short minutes to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge with an incredible panoramic view of the famous skyline. Walk across the street to trinity groves where you’ll find more local restaurants including Mexican restaurant Beto and Son, and my favorite minority owned Cake Bar. Last days we indulge in the eclectic crowds in deep ellum filled with yup, you guessed it, MORE small and local businesses. Grab brunch at Vidorra, pick up souvenirs from Jade and Clover, bar hop on Elm street, and end the night stuffing your face with more pizza from Serious Pizza!Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, the glory goes to the lord. For the success, for the clarity on days it gets challenging to create, for the strength, and most importantly, for the health I am blessed with every day. Secondly, the small business community in the DFW is unmatched and a huge reason why am I able to keep showcasing in the city. From the start, I felt the cradling love and its been a very warm welcome to bask in. From the local business owners and creatives, to the community who shows up and shows out each time to support us!

Website: www.celsal.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/celsalhome

Twitter: www.twitter.com/celsalhome

Facebook: www.facebook.com/celsalhome

Image Credits
Cinthia Jaimes